Riding the Giro d’Italia in support of team leader Cadel Evans and aiming to add a stage win to his previous victories on legs of the Tour de France and Vuelta a España, Samuel Sanchez and the BMC Racing Team have agreed his likely schedule for the foreseeable future.

Now the American squad has made clear that the Spaniard will have important responsibilities, although it envisages him as a domestique de luxe rather than a leader in the next four months.

“Sammy will bring extra depth to our squad for the assault on the Ardennes Classics and our bid to win the Giro d'Italia,” said directeur sportif Allan Peiper today. “His experience, race intelligence and ability to climb will be of paramount importance in the critical phases of these events where he will support Philippe Gilbert and Cadel Evans.”

Sánchez said that his expectations are high, both of himself and of the squad. “I think with those two guys, we will be one of the best teams. I will be close to Evans as much as possible and, if I have the opportunity, I will try to win a stage,” he said, pinpointing his Giro goals. “That would be the cherry on top of my career because I have already won stages at the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España.”

Before then, he will make his debut on March 1st in the Classic Sud Ardèche and then will compete the following day in the Drôme Classic. The two French events will be followed by Strade Bianche on March 8th and then Roma Maxima.

He said the events would give him confidence and also enable him to see how the team functions.

“After those races, I will remain in Tuscany with several teammates for a week-long training camp. I think that's the best way to prepare for my Spanish debut in Volta Ciclista A Catalunya,” he said. “That will be a good test before my first goal of the season, Vuelta Ciclista Al Pais Vasco, where I would like to win another stage to add to the seven I have already won.”

He also took the overall classification in the latter in 2012 and would seize the chance to do so again if things work out in that regard.

It is not yet clear if Sanchez might ride the Tour de France. A decision on that would likely be taken after the Giro d’Italia.